Chichester Priory Park cricketers make Goodwood their home

Goodwood Cricket Club and Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club have announced a partnership that means that Priory’s first and second team’s home matches will be played at Goodwood.

The alliance, agreed between the clubs and the Goodwood Estate and backed by Chichester District Council, has been developed with the aim of making Chichester and Goodwood a combined centre of excellence for the development of cricket in West Sussex.

The alliance will operate out of two grounds, with Goodwood hosting first and second-team matches, as well as Goodwood CC home games, while Priory Park will continue to be the venue for CPPCC third and fourth-XI games.

The move means Sussex League teams visiting Chi for first and second XI games will have the pleasure of playing at Goodwood, where the ground - overlooked by Goodwood House - is regarded as one of the most scenic there is.

CPP’s large junior section of 220 youngsters, ranging from ages six to 16, will combine their training and games at both Priory Park and Goodwood, as well as Westbourne House, Prebendal, Seaford College, Bishop Luffa and Chichester High School.

Mike Dannatt, Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club chairman said; “This is a wonderful opportunity to utilise this historic ground to develop and secure cricket in the area.

“Anyone who has had the pleasure of playing at Goodwood will know it is a fantastic place to play and improvements of the square and outfield have already taken place to make it suitable for a high standard of club cricket.

“This has been a long time coming but the future of Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club is very exciting indeed and we are hopeful this is just the start of a long and successful relationship between both clubs.”

Richard Geffen, who chairs the Goodwood cricket management committee and GCC, said: “Goodwood CC are delighted to have reached this agreement with CPPCC, the Goodwood Estate and Chichester District Council.

“The historic ground at Goodwood, which played such a significant part in developing cricket in the 18th century, can now begin to play a part in developing and sustaining the game in the 21st century in the Chichester area.

“This a very exciting time for all those involved, our ambitions are far-reaching and the opportunities endless. We are all very grateful to His Grace the Duke for Richmond, Lord March and their team for their tremendous support and enthusiasm for this development.”

The Duke of Richmond, Lord March, Goodwood CEO Alex Williamson and the estate’s MD of sport, Adam Waterworth, are working with GCC to look into further improving the current cricketing facilities to compliment a backdrop that could rival any other in the county.

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